Large crowd attends 2012 commencement ceremony in Uvalde

A total of 351 graduates participated in the 65th Annual Southwest Texas Junior College Commencement Ceremony held May 12 at the Uvalde Honey Bowl Stadium. VIDEOPHOTOS

Taking part in the ceremony were December 2011 graduates, May 2012 graduates and August 2012 candidates for graduation.

"Thankfully, the rain held off and we were able to have the ceremony outside," SWTJC Dean of Admissions Joe Barker said. "My thanks goes out to all our staff whose hard work made this year's graduation a success. It was a great day."

A total of 757 graduates were listed in this year's commencement program, with 370 receiving the associate of arts degree, one earning the associate of arts in teaching and 13 awarded the associate of science degree. An additional 103 students earned the associate of applied science degree and 270 students received basic certificates and certificates of completion.

SWTJC Uvalde 2012 graduate Rochell Sanchez of Uvalde, a member of the Catholic Club, delivered the invocation. Graduates Carla Rios of Cotulla and Noe Zarate of Carrizo Springs led the singing of The National Anthem.

Dr. Aguero is an alumnus of SWTJC and was also on the staff at SWTJC from 1982-1991, serving in a variety of positions including instructor, assistant to the president and dean of instruction. Dr. Aguero asked that his $750 honorarium be given as a scholarship to a deserving student attending SWTJC.